How to Clean an Xbox 360

Microsoft’s disclaimer pertaining to your Xbox 360 states that if you open, modify, or strip the warranty seal, your Xbox will lose its warranty coverage. That is a pretty standard disclaimer for products covered under warranty. So, if your Xbox is covered under warranty, don’t open it. Contact customer service and have it serviced at one of Microsoft’s service centers.

The inside of an Xbox doesn’t get dirty. It may get dusty, but it would require a lot of dust in order to affect operation or slap you with a red ring of death. Cleaning the outside of your Xbox is a quick and simple process.

Cleaning Your Xbox 360 Console

1. Unplug all the cords and perform a visual inspection of the outside of your Xbox. Look for stains, dirt, and accumulations of junk. As long as you are not using your Xbox as a beer holder or foot rest, you shouldn’t have any major buildup. Also, keeping your house clean and dusting occasionally will decrease the likelihood of your Xbox getting dirty.
2. If you locate a bit of buildup, use a dry towel to wipe the outside of your Xbox off. Don’t use any liquids or solvents to clean your Xbox. These do not mix well with the electronic components. Don’t use an abrasive cloth or scrub brush to clean your Xbox either.
3. Remove the faceplate carefully. Gently pull out one side of the faceplate. If that side doesn’t release easily, try the other side. Use a dry cloth and gently wipe the outside of the ports. Don’t stick anything inside the ports themselves. The connections are delicate and could easily break.
4. Microsoft does not recommend putting objects into the ventilation holes to clean them. You could damage the fans or just push dirt further inside your machine. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dust out. Don’t use a air can as that may just blow more dust inside.
5. Clean the footpads with a dry towel. The footpads should be kept clean so that the Xbox doesn’t tip over or slip. We keep our Xbox on its side to keep it from tipping over. It is designed to be set up either way. Our way seems more logical to me.
6. Keep junk off the Xbox. The Xbox needs room to breathe and cool itself. Don’t put dirty clothes, beverages, or your feet on your machine. The Xbox is as antisocial as the people who play on it. Keep it away from other electronics like DVD players, Blu-rays, and stereos. Those items may cause your Xbox to overheat and die.

Cleaning the Inside of Your Xbox 360

There are some people capable of taking an Xbox apart and cleaning the inside of it. And though I am one of those people, I am of the opinion that you shouldn’t open your Xbox unless there is something wrong with it. And when there is something wrong with it, you are probably not the one to fix it. I have seen videos of people fixing their heat sinks, and it looks pretty easy. But did you notice a lot of dust inside? I didn’t. The truth is, it will take years and years before you have enough dust inside your machine to cause a problem. And by then you will have a new gaming console, so don’t worry about it. Just leave the inside alone. To help keep dust out of the inside, just keep your home clean. And occasionally clean the outside of your Xbox. If you begin to have problems with your Xbox, notify Microsoft’s customer service. If the warranty is expired, there are a lot of resources for Xbox repair and service on the web. You are not alone. Game on.

Xbox Cleaners

Microfiber cleaning cloth is the best dry cloth to wipe your Xbox clean with. You can use a paper towel, but they have a tendency to be a little abrasive. You can get a 12 pack of Zwipes Microfiber Cloths for about $10 at Amazon.

Vacuum cleaners can be used to suck some of the dust and animal hair out of the ventilation holes.

Q-tips are for cleaning those nooks and crannies that you can’t get a towel into. However, don’t stick these into any part of the Xbox that may damage it.